Mysterious Outing

On a dull Saturday in May, an excited group of Beer lovers mounted The Claydon Fox bus for the latest of Geoff and Janet’s jaunts. G&J have been treating North Oxon CAMRA members to wonderfully organised days out for some while now, so it was a confident group who looked forward to the days Mystery Tour, and we were certainly not let down.

The first stop, there was certainly a mystery, no pub, or to be correct, the remains of the burnt out Fleece at Bretforton. Now this is a great tragedy as this National Trust owned pub is a national treasure with a fantastic collection of 17^th century artefacts. Talking to the Landlord it appears that the fire started in a chimney and spread to the thatch, however; many of the antiques were saved and when the pub is rebuilt will again be on show. But what of us? Well the equally ancient and historic barn now parades a bar with three Real Ales and a Cider. As it was May 8^th, national Mild day, pints of Wye Valley Forgeman’s  Mild were consumed, followed by Butty Bach, a premium bitter and for those foolhardy drinkers the Weston’s Old Rosie Cider!

Next stop, a further mystery, the pub was The Bridge Inn at Offenham. Where was the bridge? The answer is that it was swept away in floods in the 17^th century, ever since the locals have called it The Boat, without changing the name, they like a joke. The pub is in an idyllic spot, right on the Avon with its own moorings. Unfortunately with the weather not conducive to outdoor drinking, we were indoors, which was not a hardship, particularly with the tasty Burton Bridge Golden Delicious and Wyre Piddle Down Under.

Les, the driver, then dropped us off in Alcester for the next leg of the trip. Firstly into the wonderful Holly Bush, with its marvellously wood panelled rooms and atmosphere. Eight RA’s on tap here including another mild and Wye Valley Supreme along with St. Georges War Drum. This is a top class well run pub that often has informal music sessions, a must visit. On to The Turks Head on High Street which is a very comfortable old pub with a good selection of interesting beer. Further down the High Street is The Three Tuns which is an archetypal town pub, full of regulars and very good beer.

All back onto the bus for the trip home after a very satisfying day, there was much talk of further outings, you can’t have too much of a good thing. A quick detour into our very own Dun Cow at Hornton to top up, finishing off at The Bell in Banbury.

The hard work put in by the organisers was recognised and everyone looks forward to more trips, book your place early!

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